It's really important to learn when your brain needs a break. It's kindof a feeling in your head that after a while "you just know" it's time for a break. I describe it as being a stress, anxiety,headache, overstimulation feel. It's not good to be in this stage long, that's when you get overstimulated and push your brain past your limits, causing setbacks to happen.

This summer I was down to functioning 5% of the day. I could go 10-20 minutes then I needed a break that lasted around 1.5 hours. It sucked (I was depressed and contemplated suicide, but because I was disciplined during those bad days, I'm now having "pretty good" days, functioning 70-75% of the day at home. In a loud noisy environment like school, I'd be functioning maybe at 50%.

You may be in the stage where you have to be very disciplined. It's no fun, but understand that if you do stay patient and disciplined, you will improve. You will get better. And quality of life will go up.

I've gone back down to functioning 5% too many times. I've learned my lesson: no more pushing through symptoms. You need to do what your brain needs.

Sometimes you need to sacrifice your mental and emotional health for your physical health by doing things like taking an hour break and stopping even when you don't want to. It'll pay off in the long run. I still take breaks up to 45 minutes about 3 times a day. Sometimes I take shorter. It's all about learning what your brain needs, listening to it, and being proactive as well as reactive.

I'm glad you're getting out. This helped my mental health SO much. Being out of bed for 20-30 extra a day is huge for me.